Alberta Winter Games

AWG 2026 - updated May 9, 2025 

All age eligible athletes (see ‘Athlete Eligibility’ below) will have the opportunity for a minimum number of skates in their zone. Lead evaluators will be centrally trained and work with evaluators locally. The same evaluation criteria and ranking system will be applied across the province.

Athletes from ALL zones will be ranked and placed in one list. From there, they will be drafted onto balanced teams and assigned a zone to represent.

1. Each zone will be represented by at least 15 skaters and 2 goaltenders, unless they have fewer than that attend tryouts.
2. The top 15 skaters from each zone will advance to the draft stage. If there are zones with fewer than 15 skaters or 2 goaltenders, those spots will be filled from the next ranked athletes in the overall list who were not in the top 15 (or top 2 for goalies) in their zone. 
3. All 120 skaters will then be combined into a single spreadsheet and ranked top to bottom prior to the draft stage. The goaltenders will also be ranked and drafted.
4. Each team will have 15 skaters and 2 goaltenders.
5. Athletes are unlikely to be representing the zone in which they reside.

The draft stage will be carried out virtually following the last zone evaluations..

Athletes should expect to find out if they will be selected to a team by the end of November 2025. 

Ringette Alberta does not support the manipulation of the team formation within zones and will argue doing so violates Ringette Alberta’s Code of Conduct policy.  All eligible players need to be provided the opportunity to participate.  We would be highly disappointed if a local association/club coach, for example, discouraged their athletes from participating in the Games. The Alberta Winter Games offers once in a lifetime developmental (skills and life) experience. Therefore, each zone should be supporting their athletes to compete at the Games from the club and local association level. It is a great privilege to participate in the Alberta Winter Games, and Ringette Alberta encourages all athletes in their pursuit.

Following athlete selection, teams may have a few training opportunities, and all teams will have the same amount of time together prior to the Games. Costs will be kept as low as possible.

Ringette Alberta would like to thank Alberta Sport for their ongoing financial support and commitment to the Alberta Games.

AWG 2026 - updated May 9, 2025 

Each zone will be represented by 4 coaches, at least 2 of whom must be female.

Head Coaches (and possibly assistants as well) will be randomly assigned a team/zone.

(If trades need to be made for a coach’s child to be on their team, it will take place after the draft.)

Similar to athletes, coaches will be mixed together and put on a coaching staff with the intention of finding a good balance between skills and mentorship.

Each team will have max 4 coaches. Either 1 Head Coach and 3 Assistants, or 1 Head Coach, 2 Assistants, and 1 Coach in Training.

COACHING APPLICATION IS OPEN NOW! Deadline August 17th. 

AWG 2026 - updated May 9, 2025 

All eligible athletes must also be registered with Ringette Alberta for the playing season of the Games.

Athletes born in 2010 and 2011 who are playing at an A, B, or C level are eligible to try out for the 2026 AWG. 

Ringette Alberta hopes that the AWG will provide an opportunity for athlete and coach development across the province. 

Expect registration to open in September.

AWG 2026 - expect information about team training in the summer/fall of 2025

Below: information from the 2024 AWG

Teams will be allowed/encouraged to communicate periodically via Zoom (or similar). Teams will also be given a training weekend about 6 weeks prior to the AWG. This training weekend will be located somewhere central, and teams will each get at least 2 practices by themselves and 2 games against other teams, as well as time for team building and strategy/tactics reviews.

The goal will be to keep costs down, but provide an enriching environment for teams to get to know each other and get on the same page for the Games.